London Underground’s Victoria line is celebrating its 50th birthday with a series of special events along the route.
The first phase of the line between Walthamstow Central and Highbury & Islington opened in 1968. It became the first new Tube line to open since the Central line, which was completed in 1907.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Victoria Line on 7 March 1969 before taking the train to Green Park.
Promotional material released ahead of the opening celebrated the fact that the new line could transport passengers from Victoria to Oxford Circus in just four minutes.
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Heritage displays and special maps showing places to visit along the route have been produced to mark the anniversary.
Staff will also be leading tours at the six original stations – Walthamstow Central, Blackhorse Road, Tottenham Hale, Seven Sisters, Finsbury Park & Highbury and Islington – on 21 September.
Head of line operations Frank Ibe said: “The Victoria line has been a key part of London’s transport network for 50 years and it’s amazing to think how many billions of journeys have been made in its history.
“When it opened, the Victoria line was one of the most modern subways in the world and, thanks to the recent improvements, it still sets the standard for the rest of the world today.”
Photos courtesy of Transport for London
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